About Padstow
Rugged coastlines, sweeping sandy beaches, quiet coves and fabulous walks, fishing, golf, sailing and water sports, plus a wide selection of pubs , restaurants and shops are all on hand for your holiday in Padstow. The historic town of Padstow is a delight, with its fleet of fishing vessels, colourful buildings and narrow streets. Historically Padstow was a very busy commercial fishing village, today Padstow has a unique charm all of its own and offers a wide range of activities to suit both the young and the young at heart!
Over 4000 years ago, it is thought that travellers used the Fowey and Camel Valley on their journeys from Brittany to Ireland. By using this route, known as "The Saints Way", the traitorous sea passage around Land's End could be avoided. Walkers can still experience “The Saints Way”, for details contact Padstow Tourist Information.
St. Petroc's arrival on the shores of the River Camel in the 6th Century put Padstow on the map. St Petroc studied theology and then founded a monastery at Lanwethinoc (which later became know as Petrocston, and then ultimately Padstow). He died in Wales, c. 594 but was buried in Padstow.
Prideaux Place overlooks the town and was built in 1585 by Sir Nicholas Prideaux. The building is set within sixty acres of ground which includes twenty-two acres of deer park situated opposite the house. This deer park is thought to be the oldest in Britain with records dating back to the year 450. For details visit www.prideauxplace.co.uk
As time went by Padstow continued to develop as a fishing and trading port and as a ship building centre. During the 16th century the port gave shelter to Sir John Hawkins as he made his way back from the West Indies and also to Sir Martin Frobisher on his way back from his search for the North West Passage to China in 1577. Most famously of all, Sir Walter Raleigh lived in Padstow for a time when he was Warden of Cornwall and his Court House on Riverside was the administrative center for the collection of taxes. During the 17th century mining was expanding around Cornwall and copper ore and slates were exported. The heyday of the Port was reached in the 19th century by which time a number of shipbuilding yards had been established and the fishing industry was at its peak. 
Today, Padstow’s working fishing fleet can be seen going about its business from the harbour area. The smaller boats are inshore crabbers landing daily with lobster, crayfish and crab and the larger boats are netters or trawlers. Many of the restaurants in Padstow have a daily supply of fresh fish, as a result of such a local fishing fleet. There are many activities available from the harbour area to visitors. These include a high-powered speedboat trip, a more leisurely cruise aboard the ‘Jubilee Queen’, a ferry trip across to Rock (and visit St Enodoc church where Sir John Betjeman is buried), or a family fishing trip around the bay.
As well as the passenger ferry running regularly between Rock and Padstow there is also a water taxi service.
Padstow used to be the Cornish terminus of the Southern Railway and there was a direct train service from London Waterloo to Padstow, "The Atlantic Coast Express". The existence of the station came to an end as a result of Dr Beeching's cuts, but all was not quite lost, as the old rail track became the 'Camel Trail', a very popular cycle and pedestrian link between Padstow and Wadebridge proceeding to Bodmin before moving up to Wenford Bridge near St Breward on the slopes of Bodmin Moor. Bicycle hire is available from both Padstow and Wadebridge. For details contact Padstow Cycle Hire
A holiday in Padstow offers an agreeable mix of retail outlets including fashion boutiques, craft and souvenirs, book shops and home furnishings, all nestled amongst its quaint narrow streets. Also on offer is an amazing array of places to eat, catering for all tastes and pockets! One of the most well known is Rick Stein with his world famous Seafood Restaurant. He now has several other eateries in the town including St Petroc’s Bistro, The Cafe, Seafood Cookery School and his own Fish and Chip shop!
Others include Margot’s Bistro, www.margotspadstow.blogspot.com , Rojanos www.rojanos.co.uk and Restaurant No 6. There are also many public houses offering good pub food as well as locally brewed ales and even fine wine from our local vineyard www.camelvalley.com - the Camel Valley Vineyard. What better than a glass of Champagne and a view of Padstow harbour? BinTwo, the local wine merchant, offers a wide selection of wines, visit www.bintwo.com And don’t forget to sample a Cornish pasty! www.thechoughbakery.co.uk
During the spring and autumn Padstow steadies to a more leisurely pace. At the beginning of May Padstow holds its famous 'Obby Oss' Pagan festival celebrating the beginning of summer. This is truly a unique experience that shouldn't be missed! Keep an eye on our special offers for the beginning of May. Outside the main visitor season, the beauty of the area can be easily appreciated.
Even in the winter, the Christmas Lights around the quayside, harbour and town have become famous throughout. Mid December is also the time for late night Christmas shopping in Padstow when local bands, mulled wine and the Padstow carollers take to the streets. Why not have a look at our Christmas, New Year and special winter holiday in Padsow packages?
Due to the nature of the harbour and surrounding area, many properties do not have parking facilities. Some of the streets allow roadside parking, but in the busier times these can be very congested.
There are two main car parks in Padstow where you may purchase weekly parking permits.
Link Road Car Park.
Weekly Rover tickets are available between 17th March and 31st October, priced at £22.00. These tickets allow you to use several car parks around the area, not just the Link Road Car Park here at Padstow. (This permit is not valid for the Harbour Car Park.) Tickets can be purchased using the form attached or by feeding coins from 5p to £2 at meter points in the car park.
Please Note; Rover tickets are not available between 1st November to the 16th March. However there is a weekly ticket for use in just the Link Road Car Park here in Padstow for £5.00 available from the meter points.
Padstow Harbour Car Park.
Tickets priced at £30.00 are available from the meter points using coins. They are also available from the Harbour Commissioner’s Office. Opening hours vary according to the time of year and tide times.
Please see contact details below.
Port Authority: Padstow Harbour Commissioners, The Harbour Office, Padstow Cornwall PL28 8AQ Tel: +44 (0)1841 532239 Fax: +44 (0)1841 533346 Email: info@padstow-harbour.co.uk